National Suicide Awareness Month

September is devoted to being the National Suicide Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness on this stigmatized and often taboo topic. Within the month, September 5th through September 11th is National Suicide Prevention Week, dedicated to sharing resources and stories of those affected by suicide while promoting suicide prevention. September 10th is World Suicide Prevention Day, dedicated to remembering those affected by suicide, raising awareness, and focusing on directing treatment to those who need it the most. People have gradually become more open to discussing their mental health but the topic of suicide will remain a sensitive topic for some. Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among people aged 10–34 and the 10th leading cause of death overall in the U.S. According to the CDC, suicide rates have increased by 35% since 1999, with more than 48,000 lives being lost in 2018, alone. Although more women than men attempt suicide, men are 4X more likely to die by suicide. Here are some warning signs of suicide, community impact, ways that friends and family can be of support, and crisis resources.

Warning Signs:

• Aggressive behavior
• Increased drug use
• Withdrawal from friends and family
• Dramatic mood swings
• Saying goodbye to friends and family
• Giving away prized possessions
• Collecting or saving pills or buying a weapon
• Impulsive or reckless behavior

Community Impact:

• 4.8% of all adults
• 11.8% of young adults aged 18-25
• 18.8% of high school students
• 46.8% of lesbian, gay and bisexual high school students
• Some of the highest rates of suicide in the U.S. are among American Indian/Alaska Native and non-Hispanic white communities.
• Lesbian, gay and bisexual youth are 4X more likely to attempt suicide than straight youth.
• Transgender adults are nearly 12X more likely to attempt suicide than the general population.
• Suicide is the leading cause of death for people held in local jails.

Support in a Crisis:

• Talk openly and honestly. Don’t be afraid to ask questions like: “Do you have a plan for how you would kill yourself?”
• Remove means such as guns, knives or pills.
• If there are multiple people around, have one person speak at a time.
• Express support and concern.
• Don’t argue, threaten or raise your voice.
• If you’re nervous, try not to fidget or pace.
• Be patient.

Crisis Resources:

• If you or someone you know is in an emergency, call 911 immediately.
• If you are in crisis or are experiencing difficult or suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273 TALK (8255)
• If you’re uncomfortable talking on the phone, you can also text TALK to 741741 to be connected to a free, trained crisis counselor.